How to create a marketing plan for your small business - build a brand, target customers and set prices that will maximise sales.
The internet has transformed business marketing. No matter what you do, the internet is likely to be at the heart of your marketing strategy.
Social media is firmly established as a marketing tool. Having a presence opens up new lines of communication with existing and potential customers.
Advertising allows you to promote your business to potential and existing customers. It can take the form of direct mail, email marketing, online and print advertising, leaflets, outdoor advertising on billboards and buses or sponsorship.
Customer care is at the heart of all successful companies. It can help you develop customer loyalty and improve relationships with your customers.
Sales bring in the money that enables your business to survive and grow. Your sales strategy will be driven by your sales objectives.
Market research exists to guide your business decisions by giving you insight into your market, competitors, products, marketing and your customers.
If you don't promote your business, potential customers will never know you exist or discover what you have to offer.
This section of the website explains the main trends that affect particular business sectors - around 200 business sectors in all. While each sector is affected by changes that are happening on a daily and weekly basis, the major trends are often the gradual result of changes that happened long ago. If you understand these changes, you can get an insight into how the sector works and how it will continue to change in the future.
Below are five good examples.
NOTE: The information in the sector articles was last updated in July 2019, just before the content was purchased from another publisher. But we believe that it will remain useful information for many years to come.